In February 1928, the city of Jackson, Mississippi, purchased 151 acres of land to form Davis Field, Mississippi’s first airport now known as Hawkins Field. The Field was designated as a US Army Base, and the minitary used it as a pilot training center through 1949. Hawkins Field then reverted to civil aviation status. Since then, Hawkins Field has continued to provide top facilities for private and corporate pilots. It is now part of the Jackson Metro Aeroplex which includes Jackson Medgar Evers International Airport.
Hawkins Field and WWII
Hawkins Field played a major role on the homefront during the second world war. Following the occupation of the Netherlands in 1941, the Dutch government-in-exile established the Royal Netherlands Military Flying School at Hawkins Field where they operated lend-lease aircraft with civilian pilots from the Mississippi Institute of Aeronautics. In June of ‘41, the Field was redesignated Jackson Army Airfield and activated on May 1, 1942. During this time, a massive military construction to expand and improve the airport took place and within three months was fully operational.
Post War Operations
In 1949, the airfield reverted back to civilian use and in 1963, construction began on a new international airport nearby, the Jackson Medgar Evers International Airport. Hawkins then became a general aviation airport and currently has two active runways. However, the Mississippi Air National Guard operates an Army Aviation Support Facility on the grounds.
Current Operations and Goals
Patrick Minor is the Director of Hawkins Field Airport. In a video interview found on Hawkins Field’s website, Minor states that one of the airport’s goals is to become a more integral part of the growing aerospace education programs available through Hinds Community College. Recent improvements to runways and aprons as well as the addition of self-service fuel facilities have been made to attract more businesses and private individuals alike.
For more information on Hawkins Field Airport, visit jmaa.com/hawkinsfield.
